Specializing in combustion, explosion dynamics, and industrial fire safety, this Fire Protection Engineering expert holds a Ph.D. in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering with a concentration in combustion, an M.S. in Fire Protection Engineering, and a B.S. in Electrical Engineering. He serves as a Professor of Fire Protection Engineering with a joint appointment in Chemical Engineering. His expertise includes combustion and flammability, explosion dynamics, combustible dust hazards, industrial fire protection, process safety, accident analysis, and fire safety standards. He has evaluated fire and explosion incidents involving portable gasoline containers, combustible dust, coal dust ignition, spontaneous ignition events, industrial facilities, and electrical fire scenarios.

His litigation experience includes consulting, deposition testimony, and trial testimony in matters involving fire cause and origin, explosion analysis, and industrial hazard assessment. In addition to his academic roles, he has served as a consultant to law firms and industry on fire and explosion safety matters. He has authored numerous peer-reviewed journal publications, book chapters, and technical works addressing flame spread, dust ignition, explosion venting, combustion modeling, and fire dynamics.

He has also contributed to standards and regulatory activities, including drafting ASTM F3429 concerning flame mitigation devices and serving on technical committees related to combustible dust and fire safety. His professional involvement includes participation in ASTM International, the National Fire Protection Association (including NFPA 660 on Fundamentals of Combustible Dust), the Society of Fire Protection Engineers, and service on federal advisory and scientific review panels. He has more than 5 years of experience providing expert witness services in fire and explosion-related litigation.